Ryan ,Tara
February 19, 2013We in Swinford Killasser Ladies GFC have just said goodbye to one of our favourite daughters; a legend on the field, a friend off it and always the one to bring cheer to every occasion. The esteem in which Tara Ryan was held was reflected in the huge turnout of players, past and present, for that final parade into town, a journey she had made on so many occasions to celebrate victory with these same team mates. While the initial shock and grief of this, our saddest day, is still raw, we gain solace from the fact that we were privileged to have had such great times with such a magnificent friend.
Tara began her club career as goalkeeper on our Club U-14 team and reached the County final in 2005. Her desire to play outfield was realized the following year when she moved to corner back, claiming the number two jersey which she never relinquished. Tara worked hard for her team on the field, played with passion and was always willing to learn.
These attributes were to serve her well as she went on from being a novice club corner back to wearing her favourite number two jersey for the Mayo Senior Ladies in a few short years.
These years were littered with awards and silverware for one of our greatest ever footballers. In 2006 Tara was part of the teams which won the County U-16 and Minor titles, and reached the County Intermediate final. In 2007, her teams captured the County U-16 and Intermediate Championships, along with the O'Malley Cup. In 2008, this same band of friends won the Connacht Schools Under 16 title against Castlebar and after defeating Ennistymon of Clare, went on to beat De Le Salle of Carlow to win the All-Ireland Final for Swinford. 2009 saw Tara lead Swinford as captain to an historic double by winning the County Minor League and Minor Championship. Her leadership and defensive qualities played a major part in restricting our championship final opponents to two scores and league final opponents to just four. Tara also played a starring role for Swinford as we won the Connacht Senior Schools final after a replay with Strokestown and went on to reach the All Ireland Final with a victory over Strabane of Tyrone.
This was the first of two All- Ireland Final appearances in that year as Tara was now part of the Mayo Minor team who reached the Shield Final against Cork. A glorious year was finished off when Tara's Senior Club team won the County Senior League Division One Shield in an outstanding final played in Balla. In 2010, Tara was rewarded for her years of commitment and dedication when she was chosen to play National League football for the Mayo Senior Ladies. In 2011, Tara played on the Swinford Senior team that reached the Intermediate Championship and Senior League Finals, and also played in the Senior League Final last year.
Over the years individual accolades won by Tara include two Club All Star Awards, a Cul Camp Star of the Future Award and many as an athlete with Swinford AC. But in spite of these personal achievements, she was more of a team person than an individual player; helping out with Club underage training, representing her Senior team on our Club Executive and assisting the Club in non-football activities. Having accompanied her sister Aishling on her teams tour to New York in 2012, Tara was to the fore for much of the fun and enjoyment had during that memorable week; while also always keeping a caring eye out for Aishling and the other youngsters on the tour. In a way that week summed up much of what Tara was about; a people person, a friend to all, a leader, fun to be with and always caring for others.
As a club, Swinford Killasser Ladies GFC extends our heartfelt sympathy to Fiona, Padraig, Aishling, Callum, Noel, extended family and her many close friends. We thank all those other clubs and individuals from around the county and beyond, for their words, prayers and help during this time. While, like a family, our club may never be the same, we know we are so fortunate to have had such a wonderful person to call a team mate, a cham-
pion and a true friend. The one who brought cheer to every occasion with her friendly smile will be remembered forever with a fond smile.
Courtesy of The Mayo News. Tweet
